Malus pumila 'Taylor'
Common name:
apple
Trade name:
STARKSPUR RED ROME BEAUTY
- Type:
- Fruit
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 5-8
Apple trees do not grow particularly well on their own roots. As a result, apple varieties sold in commerce today have all been grafted onto rootstocks that, inter alia, control the size of the tree. Rootstocks are generally classified as follows (tree height in parenthesis): dwarf (8-10), semi-dwarf (12-15) and standard (18-25 or more). All trees bear full-size fruit, however. Most trees sold today for the home apple grower have been grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks (dwarf or semi-dwarf), resulting in trees which, in comparison to standard trees, are (1) easier to manage (e.g., spray, prune a
... more »Apple trees do not grow particularly well on their own roots. As a result, apple varieties sold in commerce today have all been grafted onto rootstocks that, inter alia, control the size of the tree. Rootstocks are generally classified as follows (tree height in parenthesis): dwarf (8-10), semi-dwarf (12-15) and standard (18-25 or more). All trees bear full-size fruit, however. Most trees sold today for the home apple grower have been grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks (dwarf or semi-dwarf), resulting in trees which, in comparison to standard trees, are (1) easier to manage (e.g., spray, prune and harvest) and (2) produce fruit at an earlier age. ëTaylor STARKSPUR RED ROME BEAUTY comes from Stark Bros Nursery in Louisiana, Missouri. It is sold on both dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. It a rome-type apple that is tart to the taste. It is recommended for use as a cooking apple (baking, sauces, desserts), although it also may be eaten fresh off the tree. Firm texture resists bruising and helps the fruit retain shape during cooking. STARKSPUR trees have more spurs on each limb thus increasing fruit production. White blossoms appear in early spring, followed by red apples that ripen in October in the St. Louis area.
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Best grown in deep, loamy, moderately fertile, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates average garden soils, but unamended heavy clay soils which waterlog easily and drain poorly should be avoided. Generally, the more dwarfing the rootstock, the greater the need for soil fertility. Needs full sun for maximum flower and fruit production. More than one variety must be planted in order to facilitate best pollination and subsequent fruit production. For basic cultural information on the growing of apples, see Home Fruit Production, Apples (University of Missouri Extension publication G6021), which is available for inspection or purchase at the Kemper Center Information Desk.
Size and growth:
- Height:
- 12.0 to 15.0 feet
- Spread:
- 12.0 to 15.0 feet
Bloom / flowers:
- Time:
- April
- Color:
- White
Other characteristics:
Edible fruit, Flowering tree, Showy flowers, Humming birds, Showy fruit, Birds, White, and Butterflies
Uses:
ëTaylorà is pruned and grown primarily with a view toward producing quality fruit, and its ornamental features are usually considered secondary. It should be grouped in a sunny location with other apple varieties. Spring apple blossoms and fall fruit do, of course, add color and interest to the landscape.
Problems:
Potential disease problems include apple scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust and powdery mildew. Potential insect pests include aphids, maggots, codling moth and plum curculio. Spider mites can also be a problem. Regardless of disease resistance levels, good cultural practices are always essential and some chemical spraying may become necessary in order to control pests.
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